Introduction

In Chapter 1 we fully recognised that contemporary policing brings unique challenges to individuals’ resilience and in Chapter 2 we recounted states of mind that may be common to the job but potentially unhelpful for resilience. In Chapter 3 we looked at how these mind states play out in the human brain and how they can develop into traits over time. In Chapter 4 we learn ways to use the brain to tweak states of mind to become more useful traits for resilience. It's at this point that understanding turns into pragmatism. The chapter closes with some guidance on how to develop a sense of command and control over the mind for lasting resilience in the job.

We know from our understanding of the policing mind so far that some specific states of mind are more helpful than others. What is more, we have a general idea of the areas of the brain in which these mind states arise. The techniques in this chapter stimulate specific areas to activate more constructive mind states. As we practice, the brain lays down pathways so that when we come to do them again, it becomes easier and more natural. This is the process of rewiring the policing mind for resilience (Figure 4.1).

It's simple and the rewards are high.

It just requires open-mindedness and practice.

The science is nice, but is this for me?

As discussed in Chapter 3, recent neuroscience has been all about showing how the brain can be rewired, change and adapt if we train it to. Many of the techniques come from disciplines of cognitive training which have had decades of testing, evaluation and (increasingly) neuroscientific research in many different contexts ranging from elite sports performance to stroke recovery.

The reason these techniques are used so prolifically across the globe in so many disciplines is simple: it's because they work.

Yet while the scientific evidence base for the techniques speaks for itself, the proof that they work lies only with us.